The building is like a movie set, vast ancient wooden doors lead to a cool marble foyer supported…read moreby iron pillars, then either take the lift or the broad stairs up to the 4th floor. The friendly staff all speak english, there is an immaculate kitchen where you can cook your own food and freeze water in the big fridge freezers or keep your cherries nice and cold for the next day. The showers are big, there are three internet computers you can pay for or wifi for your laptop. There are lockers in the rooms but you have to provide your own padlock or hire one from reception. There is also a deposit for your bedclothes, (EUR5) but towels are not provided. There is a small communal area beyond reception where you eat food, if you don't want to eat in the kitchen, and watch tv if you're getting too hot outside. The main street outside, the Arenal, is a pedestrianised shopping street, one of the nicer ones in Madrid, and there are lots of nice shops on your way to one of the major attractions. The Hostel is very close to the Opera and the Palacio Real, and the Oriental Gardens in front of the palace is a nice place to spend the evening. The things I didn't like about the hostel was that it was very, very noisy (the street noise outside didn't stop til 9am) very warm (no air conditioning) and mixed. Certain men may think wow but frankly it's embarrassing trying to get changed and fall asleep in a roomful of strange women (two americans and two australians on my first night). Nevertheless, for only EUR21 for a six bunk room, which includes an all you can eat breakfast, this is exceptionally good value, and you are right in the heart of things. Just don't expect to sleep much!

This doesn't look like a hostel. It's in a great location and the room is very clean and very neat…read morelike a 4 star hotel.

Hostal Mayor is an impeccable, small, boutique hotel. It's down the street from Plaza del Sol,…read moreputting you in a very vibrant area of Madrid, and within steps of a major metro stop. 38 euros a night was an insanely good value for a twin bed room with ensuite bathroom. The hotel is located on the 3rd floor of a vintage building on Calle Mayor. The rooms and bathrooms appear to be recently renovated. The front desk staff was helpful, but I don't know if they speak English or not because all my exchanges were in Spanish.

This was a really great place to stay in Madrid. Really close to the Plaza Mayor, and tons of nice…read morerestaurants, churches, museums, etc. Walking distance to pretty much everywhere in Madrid, and in a beautiful part of the city. The rooms are small, but very clean. The people are very friendly. We left Madrid for a few days, and came back to La Perla Asturiana once we returned to Madrid and they gave us the same rate we'd booked before. The people there are very friendly, and the wi-fi signal is strong. Really great pricing. Highly recommended.

Based on the location alone, this place should probably cost double per night. We could literally…read moresee one of the alcoves leading into Plaza Mayor from our window. Front desk staff was very friendly and welcoming upon arrival. Rooms are spartan but clean. But for the price and location, one could do much, much worse. Would definitely stay here again.